Colin White '26

Colin White ’26 | Forensic Science major, Cyber Criminology and Chemistry minor

Colin White ’26 is fascinated by forensics, but more specifically fingerprints. Having completed several internships and plenty of undergraduate research in the field during his time at Saint Anselm College, the Rhode Island native plans to pursue graduate studies after leaving the Hilltop. White feels prepared, ready, and equipped with the skills to make a difference in the field of forensics and criminology given his undergraduate experience at Saint Anselm. 

How did you decide Saint Anselm was right for you? 

When I was a senior in high school, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted it to be something science related. At the time, there were two paths that really stuck out to me—forensic science and pharmacy. When I went through the list of options of colleges I was accepted into, I was in between the University of Rhode Island (URI) in my home state, or Saint Anselm. I just had a gut feeling that Saint Anselm was the place for me. 

Saint Anselm is significantly smaller than URI—did that influence your decision? 

I recognized that the forensics program at Saint Anselm was smaller, but continuously evolving to become bigger and better which made it seem like a great opportunity for me to facilitate growth as a student alongside the program. From all the things I had heard about the Chemistry and Forensic Science Department, I really liked it. Plus, I realized I was more passionate about forensics than pharmacy, and with all the other great stuff Saint Anselm offered, I knew it was the right choice. 

How did you land on forensic science?

It was mostly because I was always interested in science, but when looking at potential career paths in which I could use chemistry, physics, or anything of that nature, they all seemed really boring to me. Whenever I took physics or chemistry classes, it seemed too abstract and theoretical for me. I really wanted to go into a career where I could make a difference. Unfortunately, whenever you turn on the news, you hear about illicit activities happening all the time. I figured since I am scientifically inclined, studying forensic science would give me the best opportunity to achieve what I’m looking to do. 

What have some of your classes looked like?

As a freshman, I took a basic general chemistry class and an organic chemistry class. I liked them, they were rigorous and challenging, but I was excited to get more specifically into forensics. My sophomore year I took Forensic Chemistry which was which was an overview of all the different evidence types. We looked at everything from fingerprints, blood, and shoe prints to soil, toxicology, and drugs. I really got the overarching picture of what it means to be a forensic scientist and how I could specialize in certain things. It got me excited because I got a deep dive on lots of little facets which allowed me to realize what I want to end up doing—which is a mix of drug chemistry and fingerprint analysis. 

Did you find your classes to be hands on?

When I took Forensic Analysis I and II, I learned about all different types of analytical instruments and the best way to analyze all types of samples—not just forensic samples. In our labs, we were tasked with designing and completing certain experiments by ourselves, which fostered independence. Sitting in lectures doesn’t always feel practical, so having to design, research, and find the best possible solutions made me feel like I was prepared to make a difference doing crime work. 

Are you involved in any campus extracurriculars?

I’m in Chemistry Club which is a great way to help other students who are struggling with the subject material. It allows non-majors to understand why chemistry can be fun and how it makes up so many entertaining elements of the world. One of the most common things we do each semester is use liquid nitrogen to make ice cream! I’m also a peer tutor and writing consultant in the Academic Resource Center (ARC). I help students with forensic science coursework and with writing assignments, especially with formatting lab reports. I’m also on scholarship for the Saint Anselm Pep Band and do Jazz Band in my spare time—I’ve been playing French horn for roughly a decade. I’m also vice president of Gaming Club alongside some of my roommates which allows some more introverted students on campus to come around and play games in a positive environment. 

Have you done any internships?

You bet! I interned at a microbiology lab where I analyzed ocean and pond water to detect bacteria that can agitate the skin and lead to things like stomach viruses. Although it wasn’t forensics-based research, the internship helped me learn how to conduct regular analyses and provided me context in microbiology procedures. After that, I landed an internship at the Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory (RISCL) where I was able to work directly with professionals in the firearms, trace evidence, and fingerprint divisions. I’m still in regular contact with one of the scientists at RISCL—he provided me with several resources that helped with fingerprint research later on. I used those resources when designing my own work!

What are your postgraduate plans? 

I’ve applied to a great number of graduate schools. I’m looking at the University of New Haven and Michigan State University at the moment. I’d like to get a master’s degree in forensic science with a concentration in toxicology. I see myself doing more lab work than on-site crime scene investigation.

Why would you recommend studying forensic science at Saint Anselm? 

The professors are fabulous and their level of expertise in a range of disciplines—be it chemistry or different forensic concentrations—is very wide. When coupled with the size of campus, it allows each person to take their own individual journey. In a field like forensics, it’s essential that you find a discipline that sticks out to you. Having a tight-knit environment, good campus community, and professors who can help lead you in that direction is important. The hands-on research opportunities that I’ve been part of at Saint Anselm aren’t something that you can get from a lot of other colleges.